The newly-renovated space will provide a wide variety of outdoor activities for residents and visitors
An exciting seasonal hub for outdoor adventure in the heart of Prince Rupert is now open for North Coast guests.
On July 12, Tourism Prince Rupert announced the opening of a newly-transformed space in Atlin Terminal at Cow Bay called The Outpost, an initiative that makes it easier for residents and visitors to get outside and explore everything the region has to offer. The hub will be open Fridays to Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The space offers a wide variety of activities from local businesses for everyone to enjoy, such as bike, e-bike and e-scooter rentals from G-Bikes, and fishing rods, crab traps and hiking packs through Tourism Prince Rupert’s partnership with SeaSport.
Visitors can also book Zodiac Tours with Ribtide to see whales, seals and eagles, rent kayaks and paddleboards from Skeena Kayaking, and join fly fishing and foraging excursions with experienced local guides.
The Outpost also has a retail space with a vintage penny souvenir machine that has quickly become a crowd favourite, according to Tourism Prince Rupert executive director Jaimie Angus.
“Whether you’re casting a line, paddling the harbour or just popping by for a keepsake from our locally inspired retail section, The Outpost is designed to help both locals and visitors connect more deeply with this place,” she said.
Angus added that at its core, the project is about lowering barriers for small business owners and giving them a high-traffic platform to connect with new audiences while collaborating under the same roof.
“The space is always evolving, with new partners and offerings joining as the season unfolds, so come on down and check it out,” she said.
Iran Now Joins The UNWTO Top 20 Global Tourism Destinations, Showcasing its Strong Recovery and Growing International Appeal Made Through Heritage, Culture, and Strategic Reforms
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Iran Now Joins The UNWTO Top 20 Global Tourism Destinations, Showcasing its Strong Recovery and Growing International Appeal Made Through Heritage, Culture, and Strategic Reforms
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Sitting, now, among the top 20 tourist destinations, for the first quarter of 2025 according to the latest figures released by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). This is a milestone that marks how far Iran has come in tourism aspects, a testament to a maturing policy environment, sector resilience and improved global perception as a safe, culturally rich and diverse travel destination.
Tremendous Increase in International Tourism Arrivals
One of the highest growths in the region, as UNWTO publishes first World Tourism Barometer of the year According to the UNWTO report, international tourist arrivals to Iran increased from 4.9 million in 2017 to 7.3 million in 2018, the best growth amongst the 40 most visited countries in theos world. This significant growth has been thanks to several strategic measures such as efficient government planning, huge growth in infrastructure and proactive attempts to give a positive turn to the country’s global image.
That increase in the number of visitors not only reflects the country’s natural potential for tourism but also reveals how it has successfully dealt with historical misinterpretations. The strong numbers reflect Iran’s dedication to welcoming international tourists alongside the country’s ever-expanding number of historical attractions, diverse landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage, while also serving as a testament to the world’s proclivity to see past political headlines and to not confuse individual people from a country with wider… political issues.
Strategic Initiatives Driving Tourism Development
Given this focus on digital engagement, Iranian tourism officials have undertaken a complete digital overhauling. Key features of the Trust’s programme is the programme is the next step for the Trust in using advanced audience insights to create personalized, engaging web experiences. Future developments are set to include an interactive travel guide aimed at enthralling prospective tourists with Iran’s long history, rich culture and beautiful scenery, using rich multimedia to tell the country’s story.
What’s more, tapping into social media has become a key prong of Iran’s tourism approach. By leveraging local storytelling and genuine stories, India aims to strike a chord with the world, i.e., ‘A chord is struck when the world connects with such stories, enabling a room for genuine interest and curiosity for potential travellers’.
Focused Efforts in Strategic Branding
Iran’s tourism ministry is also involving homegrown and foreign professionals to make riveting multimedia content. The purpose of this branding campaign is to elevate the visibility of Iran on international stages and introduce to the world the unparalleled attractions of this country. Local talent meets global branding know-how: Iran has set itself up to draw in a wide spectrum of global travellers, ensuring steady tourism growth.
Infrastructure and Access: The Foundations of Tourism Development
Improvement of the infrastructure has also contributed to Iran’s success in tourism. Excellent transportation systems, accommodations, and guest facilities have made tourism easy and comfortable. Such developments have been instrumental in helping Iran emerge as one of the hottest destinations in the world, providing the facilities of accessibility and comfort for the world travelers.
The powerful part of Iran experience is the wide range variety of cultural heritage you will find there. With its historic legacy (The ruins of Persepolis and Isfahan’s cultural and architectural splendor) and various and complex landscapes of deserts, mountains and coastlines, the country offers a wide range and variety of experiences for adventure-seekers. “Promotion of different aspects of Iranian tourism has been highly effective in promoting the country as a global tourist destination. However, by pushing these features using targeted marketing, this has helped to greatly increase Iran’s overall tourism profile globally.
Economic and Social Impacts
Rising tide of international tourists Having thousands of foreign visitors adds up significantly to the country’s economy and welfare. Tourism plays a role in driving local economies, supporting jobs and fostering cultural interaction. Such enhanced interaction would not merely lead to more economic welfare, but also pave the way for greater global knowledge and respect for Iran’s unique culture and past.
Future Prospects: Sustaining Momentum for Tourism in Iran
In the future, the further development and expansion of Iran’s tourism industry will depend largely on ongoing policy innovation, effective marketing, and investment in infrastructure. The country’s success in being an early adopter of digital platforms, strategic branding and authentic storytelling will become essential in sustaining the winning momentum.
The fact that Iran is considered one of the world’s most sought after tourism destinations is an important step in globalizing and diversifying the economy. The list of winners is our place at the top 30! We believe that if we take advantage of this win, we can make Iran Muslim Friendly Destination as a more popular place among tourists in the world for the next years.
Hightower Parking Lot (908.8) zero at Country View Lodging, Elkton, VA
0 feet ascent, 0 feet descent
We assessed the heat damage. It was not inconsequential. Three days hiking in 100 degree weather had taken its toll. I was covered in heat rash, some so bad I could not move without pain. The Historian was feeling very weak. We both felt hot to the touch, even after an overnight sleep in an air conditioned room.
We decided it would be unwise to go back out to try to hike. Heat exhaustion is real and can be dangerous. We didn’t want to end our hike or put others at risk if we needed help. Hike Smart. The sign at the beginning of the Shennandoah told us that. We smartly requested another night. The heat was supposed to peak today.
Our Kingdom for the Day
Our room was delightful. We had two double beds, one to sleep on and one became the continent for pack explosions.
It was a luxury to be able to sort our resupply and rumage through our gear without bending over.
We Even Have a Kitchen
We did not expect a kitchenette but there was one. We availed ourselves of all its glories.
The Historian braved the heat to get ice from the office. After giving us “water with treats,” he put the ice bucket in the freezer. Clever man. We had ice all day.
Water with Treats
I should explain what water with treats is. We dream of it on the trail and discuss it often. We had a dog who loved ice cubes out of the refrigerator door. She would sit below the fridge and stare longingly after ice dispenser, I suppose dreaming of an opposable thumb. We were careful never to let her see how it worked when we offered her “treats”. Over time, she trained us to give her ice cubes in her water, aka “water with treats.”
In the heat we guzzeled warm water from our bottles dreaming of it having treats. Today, we had water with treats.
Grocery Delivery
We had leftover pizza for breakfast. By second breakfast we wanted real food. After last night’s 1 1/2 hour delivery saga of right room number, wrong hotel, we were concerned.
I also needed more medicated powder for my heat rash. Quite by accident, I discoved the grocery store had delivery. We could get our chores done without leaving the confines of our Kingdom for the Day.
I filled our shopping cart and took a lot out. Finally, I was satisfied. Not too much but plenty of what we wanted.
The groceries arrived flawlessly. Our shopper had called to see about apples. They were only available in 3 pound bags. I asked her if she could use the extra apples and she said she could. We took three for us, plenty to carry and gave her the rest. It was a good compromise.
Our Main Meal
I rehydrate our home dehydrated pork with green tomatoes. We added this to a salad. It was so very satisfying.
We feasted on wet food all day. The watermelon and other fruits were particularly satisfying. After days of poor calorie consumption due to the heat (except for our wayside affair!) it was good to be able to eat and not be nauseated.
ET Call Home
When I was on the trail in 1975, we communicated by letter mostly. When I came to town, I would look for a phone booth and call family collect. We had to keep the calls short as they were very expensive. If I remember correctly, it was about a dollar a minute. Calls were interrupted by a human operator at 3 minutes to remind you how much money you were spending.
Now days, the most common association with pay phones is the Tardis from Dr Who.
The motel had a real, working payphone!
We did not call home on the pay phone, but we did take time to communicate with family. The support and love of family has not changed since 1975.
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Where does your mind go when there is no one around to chat with (Even no electronics)? Have you ever spent days without even your music? It was a quiet few days on the trail…..
When I have hiked other long trails, I’d often see other hikers or camp with them . At this time of year on the CDT, there are not many people around.
More Angels and Connections!
I enjoyed my trail angels, Denny and Stacy so much! We met them two days before when three folks on horses surprised us on the trail. We chatted for a few moments only to find out that the third horse rider was someone from Chattanooga! We had never met before but have many mutual friends. I then asked Stacy and Denny if they could perhaps give me a ride back to the trail on Saturday. Instant friends. Turns out one of my favorite angels of the CT, Sheriff Phil Leggitt from Creede, was a good friend of theirs too. Full Circle.
Solo
When I got back on the trail, I saw lots of day hikers. Arrived at Rock Lake with just enough time to set up a shelter before a huge storm hit: rain, lightning, hail, and the biggest graupel I’ve ever seen. These marble sized snowballs started hitting my tent and I thought they would go right through! Good old Durston X Mid protected me from another storm!
I wanted to get a few more miles in so I continued hiking after the storm and met a very curious deer at my next campsite. For the next five days, I only saw one couple early Sunday morning. I did see a beautiful herd of elk, just mamas and babies who were talking to e each other through many different vocalizations . Simply beautiful. I also had a hilarious encounter with a whistle pig (marmot) who decided to come investigate this intruder (me) very closely. I didn’t think he’d like my chicken curry so I scared him away when he got within arm’s reach. Their run seems more of a waddle to me. He made me laugh! However, I wasn’t so sure he wasn’t going for reinforcements, so I prepared my camp for a marmot coup that night. It never materialized, whew!
As a naturalist, my brain also asks questions about rocks, especially as I walked in and out of volcanic rocks as well as the adaptations of wildflowers. The bluebells look like streams coming down the hillside, usually leading to water!
Bluebell streams on either side of the rock outcrop
Slow and Solo
When you hike as slowly as I do, distance between water sources and long exposed alpine areas become even more important considerations. My trail angel Darrow asked what I do about storms above treeline. Some suggestions:
Learn your clouds and watch their movement and formation.
Pay attention to the wind and when it starts hitting you in the face, some kind of storm is coming.
Always have a bailout plan to get off the ridge and be willing to use it!
Oh it is so frustrating to get almost to the top of the ridge and start hearing thunder and watch a storm head your way.
Watersources: don’t pass up a good source when your next option is over five miles away. I once passed a source for a solid one a mile up the trail. It was dry. Luckily, some snow banks were still accessible and my Very Cold CNOC bag full of snow felt great on my head!
Besides, so many wildflowers love the water, so enjoy them!
LarkspurMonkey flower
As Bob Gnarly, the wise, also said, “That’s what I love about long distance hikers. They just deal with what arises and figure it out.” We just deal with it and go on enjoying trail time!
Gear Update
Oboz Sawtooth II : I need more support for my old feet and I absolutely love the fit of these Oboz boots. I credit my friends at Rock/Creek Outfitters in Chattanooga for introducing me to this brand. I wear the non waterproof version so they will dry faster. They are doing great over this varied terrain! I use Injinji liners and Darn Tough wool socks….. great foot care team!
Durston XMID tent: I love the option of its quick set up during an approaching storm with enough room under the tarp for two! The big vestibules are very handy for preparing for impending marmot invasions! Love this tent!
PS I still haven’t seen a moose! Maybe soon? But in the meantime, I managed to upload the funny video Katie and I did!
Have you met Fred ?
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This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
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